May 2020 District Report

A Message from Bill Dodd

Dear Neighbor,

Although the coronavirus has caused great hardship this spring for public health and the economy, there is cause for optimism. Social distancing has kept our infection rate low, allowing us to begin reopening our state. I’m confident that as the summer approaches, the outlook will continue to brighten, and we will get back on track.

Another hopeful development is the 2020 Census. Our district exceeded the statewide average for responding to this important headcount that decides our funding from the federal government and congressional representation. Bravo!

Finally, this month we celebrate Memorial Day, honoring American military veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom. Please keep these brave men and women in mind throughout the year.

In this Issue:

As always, my office is available to help you with a state agency or answer any questions you might have. You can contact me by visiting my website.

Sincerely,

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Bill Dodd
Senator, 3rd District

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Covid-19 Resources for Workers, Small Business Owners & Parents

As you navigate the coronavirus pandemic, it is important to be aware of state and federal resources that are available to people who have become unemployed or are experiencing a downturn in their business. The government has increased the monthly benefit amount to all people who are out of work, and there are numerous low-interest loans available to help businesses weather the pandemic. In some cases, loans become grants that will never have to be paid back.

In addition, there are great resources available for parents with school-age children who are continuing their education. Visit my website for a list of services.

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Four Stages of Re-Opening

Gov. Newsom has laid out a framework for re-opening our state based on our progress at meeting certain public health criteria. While it is critical for the economy that we re-start businesses and manufacturing and get people back to work, we must be mindful of the infectious nature of Covid-19 and take the necessary steps to ensure public safety. I fully support the governor’s gradual approach, which will move ahead in four stages:

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Special Veterans Identification Cards and Access to Benefits

Through their service to our country, veterans have earned a wide range of benefits. However, it can be difficult to verify their service in order to acquire those benefits. In fact, not having proof of military service is one of the biggest obstacles veterans face gaining access to resources, benefits, and services.

Under a new California law veterans can apply for a California driver’s license or ID card with a “Veteran” designation. The new Veteran ID provides proof of military service, making it easier for California veterans to access benefits and services.

 

Applying for the veteran designation on your driver's license or ID card is easy:

  • Stop by your local County Veteran Service Officer with your DD214 for verification. If you need help obtaining your military records, first contact your local County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO).
  • Go to www.dmv.ca.gov, or call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133, to make an appointment. Bring the application form verified by your CVSO and the small $5 application fee.

Learn more about how to get your new Veterans ID card here.

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Legislative Update

A number of my bills are coming to fruition in the Senate. Let me tell you about three of the most important to advance this month:

Senate Bill 862 does two things. It expands existing law requiring utilities to provide for customers with access and functional needs before commencing a public safety power shutoff. It’s a provision that builds on SB 167 -- written by me last year and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom – requiring utilities to assist people on life support equipment during shutoffs. Also, the bill makes clear that such de-energizations are eligible for emergency declarations, freeing financial assistance for local government under the Emergency Services Act.

SB 872 is sponsored by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, expands the definition of additional living expenses that must be paid to homeowners for losses incurred in a state of emergency. Upon submission of a claim, it requires an advance payment of no less than four months for costs such as housing, furniture rental and transportation. Also, it mandates an advance payment of no less than 25 percent of a policy limit for lost contents without submission of an inventory form.

SB 1237 would expand access to care by authorizing nurse-midwives to conduct routine services without direct physician supervision, following the lead of 46 other states. California’s current model has not been shown to increase the safety or quality of maternity care. States that allow autonomous practice within a more integrated, collaborative model between physicians and midwives show significantly lower rates of cesarean, preterm birth, low birth-weight infants and neonatal death. Nurse-midwives perform 50,000 births a year in California.

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In the News

Here are some of the latest news stories that may be of interest to you. As always, please contact my office if you have any questions about state policy or want to express your position or ideas for legislation.

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